Cashing your first check

This week, I realized that I’d been working with one of my clients for 10 years. Wow! That’s a real milestone. When you’re self-employed, it’s often easy to overlook milestones. One of the first milestones for many consultants involves cashing your first check from a client.

I still remember the excitement of my first check from a paying client. It was from The Ottawa Citizen, a major Canadian newspaper. Although it was only $80, I was just 20 years old and I was absolutely thrilled that a major newspaper had deemed me worthy of an above-the-fold article in its editorial section. Getting the check wasn’t about getting the money. It was the moment that, for me, marked my transition from "wannabe freelancer" to "real freelancer".

Prize your milestones and celebrate them. I’m celebrating 10 years with my client by having her over to my home. After this much time, we’re friends.